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Chelsi Jones of Marion is anxiously awaiting the acceptance of her day care application by the state. She plans to open a day care business at her home in Marion in December to spend more time with her 10-month-old son, Dawson, and to allow him to socialize with others his age.

“I think it’s important for kids to socialize, but studies show it’s also important for kids to be close to their family and spend time with their mom every day,” she said. “It made sense to start a day care because then he could have both socialization and me.”

Jones said she is still in the process of getting certified. She has submitted an application to the state, and has completed a health appointment. The next step is to pass a home health inspection and receive a temporary license.

“After that’s all completed, I can officially open,” she said. “After I’m open a bit, the state will do a random health inspection and I will receive my permanent license based on the findings from that.”

One full-time newborn spot has already been filled; Dawson is taking another. Jones said she has one full-time newborn spot, four preschool children and a couple other spots for after schoolchildren. She is looking for children to fill the remaining spots.

“I have a bunch of pregnant friends who are excited because I will be able to watch their kids, so in the future I think I’ll have a lot of spots filled,” she said.

The idea for the day care came from her mom, Tracey Long, a longtime day care operator.

“My mom started a day care when I was a baby, and I remember how fun it was,” Jones said. “I loved having all those kids in the home and look forward to my son having the same thing.”

Jones and her husband, Terry, are remodeling a room in their recently purchased house to use for the day care. She will teach a state-designed preschool curriculum to her students to prepare them for kindergarten.

“I substitute taught last year and I love watching the looks on kids’ faces when they learn,” she said. “What better way is there to learn than in a fun environment?”

Those wanting more information about the day care can call Jones at (620) 382-4026.